This six-piece contemporary Latin American Jazz Ensemble will showcase the work of Samuel Torres who has been gaining recognition in the U.S. since arriving from his native Colombia in 1998. At present, Samuel is performing regularly with multi-award winner, Cuban trumpet player Arturo Sandoval and worldwide renown African bassist and singer Richard Bona. Samuel has appeared with such musical stars as Tito Puente, Chick Corea, Michael Brecker, The Boston Pops, Los Angeles Philarmonic amongst others. He was awarded Second Place at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition 2000 and recently composed the music and produced the instructional DVD entitled Drum Solos Revisited" for the musical instrument manufacturer Latin Percussion-LP which will be distributed by Warner Brothers worldwide. Among the featured players performing with Samuel will be Grammy-winning bassist John Benitez and critically acclaimed pianist Hector Martignon.

I grew up listening to my father's Jazz records and listening to radio. My dad was a musician for many years as a vocalist, bassist and drummer. His two uncles played in the Symphony of Reggio Calabria back in Italy

I grew up listening to my father's Jazz records and listening to radio. My dad was a musician for many years as a vocalist, bassist and drummer. His two uncles played in the Symphony of Reggio Calabria back in Italy. So music and jazz specifically have been a part of me since I was born. I love and perform in all styles of music from around the world. Improvisation in jazz is what drew me in, and still does as well as other genres that feature improvisation. A group of great musicians expressing themselves as one is the hallmark of great jazz and in fact all great music.